Miami Dolphins

UM

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Cuban-born outfielder Yoenis Cespedes came to Miami last week to hear the Marlins’ best pitch for him to sign with the team. But he made his decision Monday and is headed to the west coast.

According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, Cespedes has signed a 4-year, $36 million contract with the Oakland Athletics.

Clark Spencer from CBS4 news partner the Miami Herald reported the Marlins offered Cespedes a 6-year, $36 million contract, or roughly $3 million less than what Yoenis got from the A’s.

It’s the second time the A’s have gone after a Cuban player, but first time the team has signed one.

Oakland was also among the top bidders for Aroldis Chapman before he eventually signed with the Cincinnati Reds.

Cespedes was linked to the Marlins due to the marketing potential of having a Cuban-defector in Miami. He also was expected to play in the outfield if the Marlins had signed him. Scouts project Cespedes to hit around .260 -.270 for a season.